Antique Aneroid Marine Barometer by Falconer c.1890

An unusual aneroid marine barometer designed by Falconer & Co, Hong Kong c.1890. Aneroid barometer having 4¾" silvered and die struck dial with weather prognostications for the Far East including Typhoon or Gale, Squalls & Rain, Fair & NE Monsoon, Strong Monsoon. Concentric barometric scales calibrated in Millimetres and Inches with ranges 710mm – 790mm divided down to 1mm and 28" – 31" divided down to 1/20th respectively, further marked "Aneroid Barometer," the centre annotated "Specifically Designed by G. Falconer & Co, Hong Kong," below "For use in the Far East." Curved thermometer set on a register calibrated in degrees Fahrenheit, with a range from 0 – 160° divided to single degrees with designation "Fahrenheit Thermometer." Blued steel pointer, gilt lacquered index, heavy bevelled glass. The standard pattern movement with bright plated component parts, driven from a single 2¾" nickel alloy soldered capsule tensioned on a C spring raised over a japanned cast iron chassis. The whole contained within a flanged drum form zinc case, mounting plates to 12 and 6 o’clock. Calibration port to verso. Condition: Fully serviced, conserved and calibrated under laboratory conditions, see performance chart from dynamic test. The movement working exceptionally well with recorded error across the scale of less than 0.05". This arrived in very original condition requiring considerable restoration and conservation. The movement required considerable attention owing to salt water and humidity, the bezel has been re-lacquered and the case repainted, both processes following the original finishes precisely. The dial with some losses to silvered finish but remaining original. The thermometer accurate to within 0.4 of degree at 78°F. Comments: Designed by George Falconer for use in the Far East, and probably manufactured by Short & Mason, we have only seen one other instrument of this type, albeit with a slightly larger dial - these are extremely unusual in Europe. Construction and overall quality is very good, and for an aneroid barometer of this period it performs exceptionally well. A very interesting and attractive instrument, certainly for the collector.